Race for the Cure

The Issue: The main event is Sunday morning at Eastland Mall.

In the world of fundraising for worthy causes, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure stands tall for the creative and energetic way it generates broad interest and support.

This time of year, when all around us is turning pink with interest, the planners do a remarkable job of building anticipation for the main event, which is Sunday morning at Eastland Mall.

And for that, for all the good that the local Komen organization and its volunteers do in focusing public attention on the battle against breast cancer, we offer our heartfelt thanks and appreciation.

Few of us are not touched by the fear and heartbreak that cancer can bring to family and friends. But it is efforts such as this that give people the courage and inspiration to stand up and fight. Research, early detection, treatment, education, personal support - all spring forth from the Race for the Cure fundraising effort.

And that's what this is about. It takes place Sunday at Eastland Mall, with the 5K run/walk beginning at 9:30 a.m., the one-mile family fun run/walk at 9:45 a.m. and the awards ceremony at 11 a.m.

You can still sign up (and participate in a variety of ways) today and Saturday at Eastland North, by the back Vogel entrance to Eastland Mall. Or you can sign up on race day beginning at 6:30 a.m. at a tent near JC Penney. It costs $25 to register, beginning today.

And if you want to participate but can't, the organizers have found a way this year. It's a good example of what we mean by this group being so creative.

A few years ago, there was a minor dust-up when the event was moved from Saturday morning to Sunday morning. Some good citizens objected because they go to church on Sunday mornings and didn't want to be torn between the two, church and the race.

So this year, the Komen Evansville Race for the Cure has added "Proud in the Pew." You make your donation, and then you can be at the race in spirit while renewing your spirit in church.

And they have this other new category, "Sleep in for the Cure," which speaks for itself. You can sign up, pay up and stay in bed, all for a good cause.